Cool Girls Wear Culottes
One of the common misconceptions that I've heard about vintage lovers is that we're immune to trends. Well, maybe not immune, but people definitely tend to think that because so many of the styles that we embrace are classic, iconic, and have stood the test of time, our fashion isn't cyclical the way it is for mainstream fashion. That's probably true for some people, in the same way that there are women who are into mainstream fashion who might wear the same silhouette for 10 years, but for most of us, styles do come and go.
I was a little surprised to realize just how often those trends echo what's going on on the runways, although I suppose I shouldn't be. Most women, myself included, don't live exclusively in vintage, and none of us live in a vacuum. Studies have shown that the more we see something, the more we like it, which explains why the skinny jeans I thought would never catch on are now the default image that pops into my head when I think of jeans.
Trends to watch (and how to enjoy them "vintage style")
All things 70s
I know I've mentioned it before, but you really can't avoid the 70s influence this season. Both boho and disco styles are exerting a strong pull on fashion right now, and I must admit, I have absolutely fallen prey. I've become a bit of a 70s lover myself: case in point, the "disco Leia" dress I wore for my birthday. Even if you're not into bell bottoms and maxi dresses, you can still rock a 70s inspired look. What's not to love about a one-shoulder top or a great pair of platform shoes? You could work a Biba girl look with the help of a silky scarf and some intense eye makeup, or channel Faye Dunaway's turn as a stunning femme fatale in Chinatown.
Maxi One Shoulder Kimono Dress
Baby Blue Platform Heeled Sandals - I bought these. If you buy these, we can be shoe twinsies.
Patterned Silk Jumpsuit - I know, this one is ridiculous, but... cocktails on the lanai!
White Lace
White eyelet and lace is a perennial summer favorite - because it's so light and airy, it's as comfortable as it is pretty. I think most vintage loving ladies are already well on board with this trend, which is why it's lovely there are so many white lace skirts, shirts, and dresses out there to play with.
Nautical
I have been absolutely loving the nautical trend this year. Although I haven't yet photographed it, I think my most worn this this past month or so has been a blue and white striped shirt with an anchor embroidered at the breast - it's one of those pieces that just feels right with everything. Navy blue, nautical themed prints, and sailor collars will make you feel like you're on the deck of your own yacht, even if you're stuck on dry land.
50s/60s Two Piece Sailor Dress
Sheers
Sheers have been everywhere in mainstream fashion for the past couple of years, and there are so many ways to work them into a vintage look. There are a lot of items from the 50s that are sheer or semi-sheer, including blouses and dresses, and you can wear them with a slip or without, depending on how daring you're feeling.
Culottes
This is one trend that I absolutely was not sold on a couple of months ago. And then I realized that it would kind of look like a skirt when I'm standing with my legs together, but it wouldn't get all caught up in my wheels when I'm biking. Culottes also have some firmly established vintage roots - paired with a slim fitting button down in a summery color or floral print, or perhaps a cute crop top in a matching fabric, it could read anywhere from 30s to 60s. I'm not quite ready to commit, but I might be ready to try on a pair at Zara or H&M.
So what are some trends that you guys have found yourselves getting into? Do you feel a conflict between staying true to your "vintage" self and your "mainstream" self?
